A MONTH of fasting has ended for the many Muslims in Worcester and billions across the world as Ramadan gives way to the holiday of Eid.

Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of the breaking of the fast” and began yesterday evening (June 14).

During Eid, Muslims observe a number of traditions including holding prayers, exchanging gifts and donating to charity.

We’ve answered a couple of key questions about Eid and what will be happening over the next couple of days.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid a-Fitr is the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month during which Muslims fast during daylight.

Ramadan, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, lasts between 29 and 30 days, based on when a new moon is seen. The sighting means Eid can begin.

The holiday, considered one of the most important in Islam, has its own particular set of prayers, which Muslims will recite in congregation.

When does Eid al-Fitr take place?

The exact dates of Ramadan and Eid, vary from one year to the next.

This year, Eid-al-Fitr is on June 15, as the sighting of the crescent moon was on the evening of June 14.

The festival is a day when Muslims thank Allah for strength and blessings, hoping Ramadan has brought them closer to god.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid-al Fitr?

A wide variety of practices take place during Eid, the first of which is a special set of prayers saved only for the occasion, known as Salat al-Eid.

Muslims will generally gather at mosque or in parks to carry out prayers on the first morning of the festival before sitting down with family and friends for breakfast – their first daylight meal in a month.

Another Eid tradition is the Zakat al-Fitr where Muslims help the poor at the end of Ramadan.

Muslims give to charity with the aim of providing enough for the needy so they can join in the feast and celebrate the breaking of the fast.

What does Eid Mubarak mean?

Eid means "celebration" and Mubarak means "blessed", with "Eid Mubarak" often used as a greeting over this period.

Isn’t there another Eid?

Yes but Eid al-Fitr shouldn’t be confused with Eid al-Adha – the tenth day of the final month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest of all Muslim holidays. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca for pilgrimage.